JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Regular physical activity (PA) can have a positive effect on the physical, psychosocial and cognitive health of vulnerable older adults (OA) (e.g., poverty, loneliness, low level of education). Evidence of the impact of PA promotion interventions on the health and health behavior of this target group as well as their feasibility is still limited.

Objective:

The BeTaSen study aims to evaluate the (1) impact, as well as (2) feasibility, acceptance, and usefulness of a 12-month low-threshold physical activity intervention program for community-dwelling vulnerable OA.

Methods:

For the population-based prospective observational cohort study, a total of 120 vulnerable OA (≥75 years; residents in the German City of Chemnitz) will be recruited to participate in 1) weekly neighborhood-based low-threshold physical activity meetings with trained mentors (“activity tandems”), and 2) monthly exercise meetings led by trained exercise instructors. During and after the 12-month intervention period, the participants will be encouraged to perform the contents of PA independently. Participants will complete assessments, which will include questionnaires as well as objective measurements of their physical and cognitive function and psychosocial health at three different points in time (baseline, 6 months after the start and 6 months after the end of the intervention). In addition, a process evaluation will be performed (e.g., questionnaires, qualitative interviews) involving the participants, mentors, and municipal project partner representatives.

Results:

The intervention is expected to induce, increase, or maintain PA behavior, and to improve OAs’ physical function and cognitive and psychosocial health. It is furthermore expected that elements of the intervention will be found to be feasible and sustainable for vulnerable OA.

Conclusions:

The study’s results will provide insights on (1) the PA behavior of vulnerable OA as well as the impact of PA interventions on health-related outcomes such as cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health, and (2) the feasible and useful components of community-based PA interventions. This pilot study will make an important contribution to the evidence on the health outcomes of low-threshold community-based PA programs well as the impact, feasibility, and sustainability of such interventions. Clinical Trial: www.drks.de, identifier: DRKS00032417